我記得多年前，當我第一次踏入台北萬年大樓時，我彷彿進入了一座城市中的城市，這棟大樓有十多層，我記得裡面有冰宮、影音中心、電動遊戲間、泡沫紅茶店、潮牌服飾店，還有數之不盡的各式特色小店，這棟大樓彷彿是一個巨大的迷宮，充滿了無盡的探索和發現，首先吸引我的是萬年大樓內的商店和美食，一進入大樓，我就被眼前繁華的景象所震撼。商店林立，琳琅滿目的商品讓人目不暇給。從時尚潮服到日式公仔，從國際品牌到文創小店，這裡的商店提供了各式各樣的特色商品。
甜不辣是藏身在萬年大樓地下室的美食之一，也是西門町人氣的銅板小吃，也是很多人當提到萬年大樓時，會想到的事物，以前和學生時代的朋友去西門町逛累後，我們就會各叫一碗甜不辣來吃，裡面有條狀甜不辣、扁圓魚餅天婦羅、油豆腐、貢丸、魚丸、白蘿蔔等，內容算是蠻豐富的，整碗會先淋上醬汁，超好吃的，醬汁很濃稠，吃完了甜不辣，剩下的沾醬還可以免費加蘿蔔高湯，喝了湯之後，才會有飽足感，我常常會喝個好幾碗，也是我最喜歡的吃法。
萬年大樓雖然已經有四十多年了，但是它一直都是學生們的天堂，有販賣著各式各樣的動漫、模型玩具及潮服、潮鞋等，連五月天主唱阿信都在臉書留言，說萬年大樓是他15歲的年少回憶，這裡有一個萬代收藏玩具官方展示空間，展示著官方商品，展示的模型栩栩如生，每一個細節都經過精心設計和製作，其實，整層樓的模型玩具店更有看頭，以老牌店家東海模型玩具、愛瑜模型、雜誌瘋、等店家為主，每家店都會擺放了琳瑯滿目的商品，從動畫周邊、盲盒、一番賞到公仔模型通通都有，並將其依照種類和主題整齊的歸納，店家尤其推崇熱門動畫的周邊商品，包括排球少年、咒術迴戰、藍色監獄、名偵探柯南等動畫主題，讓店裡不只是為了玩具愛好者，也為動漫愛好者提供多元的選擇，而每家店門前的展示櫃，更是讓人流連往返的所在，必定會展示該店的鎮店之寶或是夢幻逸品。
雜誌瘋會同步販售日本最新的少年卡通畫冊、漫畫、寫真集、日本當紅偶像雜誌、時尚服裝、美髮書、拼布手工藝、攝影、裝潢、書藏等，對於瘋日本動漫文化的愛好者，是不可或缺的存在，此外，裡面的扭蛋機及夾娃娃機數量驚人，有網紅為了挑戰萬年大樓的夾娃娃機，發現西門町萬年大樓，從上到下共計八百台的扭蛋機及兩百多台夾娃娃機，這棟大樓的很多夾娃娃機，主打的就是高價高價模型玩具，提供對於欠缺經濟能力的學生族群，能用點小錢，挑戰帶走高價高價模型玩具的機會，在逛模型時，看到不少人說著廣東話經過，也看到不少家長，帶著孩童們興高采烈的，衝去夾娃娃，總之，對於很多人而言，包含我也是，這裡不只是販賣流行文化的商品，更是承載著著年輕回憶的地方。
I remember years ago, when I first walked into Taipei's Wan Nian Building, it felt like stepping into a city within a city. This building had over ten floors, and inside, there were so many cool spots – an ice palace, a multimedia center, an arcade, a bubble tea joint, trendy clothing stores, and tons of unique little shops. It was like a massive maze, full of endless exploration and discovery. What really got me excited were the shops and food inside the Wan Nian Building. As soon as I stepped in, I was blown away by the vibrant scene. Stores were everywhere, offering all sorts of goods. From trendy clothes to Japanese collectibles, from international brands to indie stores, this place had everything you could think of.
One of the must-try delicacies hidden in the basement of Wan Nian Building is the "甜不辣" (tempura) snack. It's a popular Taiwanese street food, especially well-known in the bustling district of Ximending. Whenever I used to roam around Ximending with friends during my student days, we would always treat ourselves to a bowl of tempura. The bowl consisted of various items such as fish cakes, fish balls, tofu, and radish, all drenched in a thick and flavorful sauce. The richness of the sauce complemented the savory items perfectly, leaving us craving for more. And let's not forget the free refillable radish soup after finishing the snack; it was the perfect way to round off the meal and leave with a satisfying feeling in our bellies. Personally, I couldn't resist going back for multiple refills—it's simply my favorite way to enjoy it.
Despite being over forty years old, Wan Nian Building remains a haven for students and enthusiasts alike. Its array of shops offers everything from anime merchandise and model toys to trendy fashion and footwear. Even Mayday's lead vocalist Ashin reminisced on Facebook, calling Wan Nian Building a nostalgic memory from his youth. The official display space for Bandai Collectibles is a highlight, showcasing meticulously crafted models that bring fictional worlds to life. But perhaps the real gem lies in the model toy stores spread across the floors, with names like Dong Hai Model Toys and Ai Yu Model offering an extensive selection of products. From anime collectibles and blind boxes to intricate figurines, each store is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Magazine Fanatic, another popular spot, not only sells the latest Japanese comics, magazines, and fashion items but also boasts an impressive collection of capsule and claw machines. With over 800 capsule machines and more than 200 claw machines spanning the building, it's a dream come true for those seeking to challenge their luck and win coveted prizes. Many young visitors, as well as parents with excited children, can be seen eagerly trying their hand at these machines. For many, Wan Nian Building isn't just a place to shop for pop culture items—it's a nostalgic haven where memories of youth are preserved.
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